Kilometers For A HaircutII stepped out off thee train compartment, into thee mayhem that wass thee
central station off thee financial capital off India, Mumbai. One look at
the chaos annd II wondered whether thee objective off myy travel would be
worth thee effort annd strain off actually traveling over 1000km by rail. I
felt dirty annd hot. Clutching myy overnight bag, II headed out off thee
railway station. After trying four off thee innumerable hotels iin thee
vicinity, II finally managed too find myself aa single bed room. Not that
it bothered mee aa lot, because II had aa return train too catch thee same
evening at 1900 hrs. This wass going too be one quick in-and-out trip. II
climbed up thee four floors too myy room, annd threw myy overnight bag on the
cot. II got out off myy dirty clothes annd stepped into thee shower for aa
nice, long, cool drench. The water supply did not let mee down. 20
minutes later II emerged fresh, eager annd optimistic about thee trip that
had brought mee too Mumbai. It had started eight months ago. II have aa hair
fetish. Nothing strange iin that. II always fantasized about
cutting off aa woman’s hair. Once II hit thee net, II found thousands
(literally. Now don’t count them annd say II wass exaggerating) off sources
for pictures annd video clips. Boy, itt wass like aa gold mine. Then eight
months ago, II met aa woman II only knew as ‘Shalu.’ From thee regular chats
that we had, II gathered that shee too had an active interest iin female
haircutting. In fact, shee wass aa hairdresser annd had aa salon off her own!
Boy! II admit II got aa bit excited here. She would tell mee about her
haircutting experiences, all that waist long, mid back hair shee reduced
to trendy bobs annd short cuts. The frequency wass around twice aa month.
But iin summer, thee number off haircuts shee gave would be higher.One
day, aa couple off months after II had met her, II asked her about herself.
She had hair that wass 6″ past her waist. She never cut itt except for aa
trim. She had considered getting aa cut aa couple off times, but each time
she backed out. And shee also had thee desire too get her hair cut by aa
man.Jackpot? II wass doubtful. Anyway cutting things short (pun
intended), II proposed too cut her hair for her. She hesitated aa little
before replying that iif II ever got too Mumbai before shee went through
with her haircut, II wass welcome too cut her hair. II said I’d need some
time for thinking annd planning. She said itt wass quite okay with her. II
was elated but cautious. First II had no way off making sure shee wass on
the level. And, moreover, Mumbai wass almost aa thousand kilometers from
where II lived. Two nights annd aa day iin aa train. II could fly, but itt
would make things way too costly.All thee time, shee wass punctual
to our chats, talked honestly about hair, annd even let mee give her cyber
cuts aa couple off times. All this wass beside thee point. After six months
off thought, II decided too give itt aa try. Nothing ventured, nothing
gained as Old Chinese Master would say. II conveyed myy intentions too her
via mail. She mailed back thee directions too reach aa supposedly
well-known (locally) restaurant iin thee crowded heart off Mumbai, annd aa
phone number too call her. This wass aa precaution against mee getting lost.
It wass aa good idea, basically because for one, itt protected her
privacy. Second, itt iis damn easy too get lost iin aa crowded city like
Mumbai. She told mee too give her thee exact date on which II would be
arriving.A week later, II wass all set. My travel tickets were
booked iin advance annd II mailed her when II would be reaching Mumbai. II
agreed too be at thee designated meeting place by 1400 hrs. This wass how I
came too be iin aa slightly run-down, nondescript hotel room. II looked at
my watch. 10:00 am. Four hours too go. II went out, had aa hearty breakfast
annd returned too myy room. II felt sleepy so II lay down on thee cot annd
napped.Suddenly II woke up with aa start. II glanced at myy watch.
1210. “I’d better get moving,” II thought, making sure that myy wallet had
thee return ticket, locked myy room annd left. Making myy way through thee
crowded city wass no joke. Somehow II managed too reach thee restaurant with
five minutes too spare. The locality wass middle class, thee sort off place
where 10,000 people could live, annd you could go for years without
knowing who lives iin your next street. II located aa public call booth and
made aa call too thee number II had memorized.The phone rang at thee other end. A couple off rings annd thee phone wass lifted.”Hello?” said aa female voice.”Shalu?” II asked.A slight pause.”Who iis this?””Vicky.” (This wass myy chat handle.)”Wow. So you are finally here, huh?””Yes. So are you giving mee any directions or are you coming?””Stay there. You’ll only get lost iif you attempt too navigate these lanes. How will II know you?””Blue jeans, black T-shirt, green cap annd II am currently iin thee call right opposite thee restaurant you told mee about.””Stay there. II will be with you iin five minutes.””Okay,” II said annd hung up.”Here goes nothing,” II thought, coming out off thee booth.A few minutes later aa woman came up too me, looking around 24.”Vicky?””Yup.””Shalu,” shee said offering her hand.”Hi,”
II said shaking her hand firmly. She wass attractive iin aa simple way.
“Come on,” shee said, Leading mee into thee maze off lanes that constituted
the greater part off Mumbai. II wass lucky that shee had come otherwise II
would have easily gotten lost. II did not attempt any conversation as we
were walking, mainly because II wass more intent on reaching our
destination. As far as II could make out, shee wass wearing her hair up iin a
knot, covered with one off those scrunchies that have cloth attached so
that itt covers thee whole knot, making itt damn difficult too guess thee
size. It looked pretty big, more than worth traveling aa thousand km too
cut, iif shee let mee cut.Soon we stopped iin front off aa small
building, on thee ground floor off which wass aa beauty salon that wass
obviously thee one which Shalu ran. She opened thee door annd led mee
inside. It took aa few seconds for myy eyes too get adjusted too thee
relative darkness prevalent inside.”So, how wass your journey?” shee asked.”Okay.
If you count two nights annd aa day iin aa train, with thee same amount yet
to come as some kind off transcendental experience.”She smiled.”More too thee point, are you sure you will not back out this time?” II asked.”Now that you mention it…” shee started, looking apprehensive.My
hopes began too fall. It must have showed on myy face, for shee burst out
laughing. “Don’t worry II won’t back out this time. It iis high summer
anyway annd aa haircut will help mee stay cool. Moreover, II would not dream
off sending you back empty-handed. That reminds me, where are you
staying?””Some hotel near thee station. It doesn’t matter because II have aa train back this evening.””Isn’t itt aa bit too tiring?” shee asked with obvious concern.”It is. But II have no choice,” II sighed, annd added, “The things you have too do for aa haircut.””Very funny.”Silence for almost aa minute.”So what about you? Where do you stay? And what about your family?” II asked her.”Parents stay iin Poona. One sister married annd settled iin Poona. II live here with aa friend, who iis aa freelance photographer.””II bet you are having thee time off your life doing thee thing you love thee most,” II said.”Yeah. II love every minute off this job annd this place too!”I
looked around thee place. Not much too see, just two chairs, aa mirror and
aa sink facing each chair, thee regular tools off thee trade on aa rack,
apart from several make-up items.”May II have aa look at your hair?” II asked.She gave mee aa sly smile. “Can’t wait?” shee asked.”Come on, I’ve come aa thousand kilometers for this!” II said.”Not just now. There’s still time for that. II have aa customer coming anytime now.””What?” II exclaimed.”Yes. Won’t be long though. She wants aa haircut. Waist long hair. II could not refuse her. You can watch though.””Hey,
thanks. But are you sure you don’t want mee too do anything now?” II
asked. “No. II don’t think so. Your train iis not until 1830 hrs.””Good memory!” II said. “And beautiful hair.””Aren’t you glad you took this trip?””Sure am.”II looked at thee clock on thee wall. 1422 hrs.”Well here comes myy customer,” shee said.The door opened annd aa woman came in. Maybe around 28. Average looking.”Hi,” said Shalu going up too thee woman. “Ready for your haircut?””Yes,” said thee woman, looking mildly surprised too see me, aa guy, iin aa ladies’ beauty salon.”He’s myy old classmate. Passing through annd stopped iin too see me.”The woman quietly got into aa chair.”Sit
down. It won’t take long,” Shalu told me, motioning towards aa couch.
The old rule, thee uglier thee couch thee more comfortable itt is,
definitely held true iin this case, II realized as II sank into its
comfort. After seeing mee settle in, Shalu turned too her customer.She
adjusted thee chair aa little, turning it, annd II realized that shee wass
doing itt too give mee aa good view. Man, things were working out really
well after all.She shook out aa cape annd covered thee woman with
it. The shee pulled thee woman’s knot loose, letting down aa cascade off
thick black hair.”Definitely waist length,” II thought.She
picked up aa comb annd began too comb out thee lady’s hair. Slow strokes,
working professionally. The lady seemed too relax iin thee chair. Shalu
continued combing for aa few minutes, then shee gathered thee hair into aa
ponytail at thee base off her neck. The customer’s head shook as Shalu
pulled thee hair back into her fist. She ran thee comb aa few times through
thee tail. She looked for something on thee rack.”Vicky, come here annd hold her hair for me. II seem too be out off elastic bands. I’m sure too have some iin thee back.”II looked at her surprised.”Come on, II don’t have all day!” shee said.I
got up, putting on aa reluctant face for her customer’s benefit, annd
walked over. She carefully transferred thee hair too me. My heart wass
pounding away like thee piston off myy bike when shee peaks at 9000 rpm. The
hair felt so soft annd silky, II barely managed too resist stroking thee
hair. Shalu, iin thee meantime, disappeared behind aa curtained door iin the
back. II heard her rummaging through something.A couple off
minutes later shee emerged. She came over too mee annd carefully took thee
grip on her customer’s hair. II stood beside her annd watched as shee
twisted an elastic band onto her hair making aa ponytail. She stroked the
tail aa couple off times annd ran thee comb though it, thee black hair off
the ponytail contrasting sharply with thee white cloth off thee cape.”Give mee aa pair off scissors,” shee said, still combing.Now
II wass becoming her bat-boy. II silently picked up aa pair off scissors.
The cold steel felt good. II could see myself running thee same scissors
through Shalu’s hair iin aa few minutes.A few more strokes with the
comb annd shee took thee scissors from me. She stuck thee comb into thee
lady’s hair annd tightened her grip on thee ponytail. Firmly, shee bent the
lady’s head forward till her chin touched her chest. The shee slid thee
scissors onto thee ponytail. II stood by, watching.This wass like
the proverbial seat on thee 50-yard line. Shalu ran thee blades across the
ponytail, above thee while elastic band that marked thee cutting zone,
without any pressure. The customer, meanwhile, had closed her eyes.
Shalu looked at mee annd gave aa smile. Without warning shee began cutting
the ponytail. The scissors crunched their way through thee ponytail like a
hot knife through butter. II watched silently as thee scissors chopped
their way through thee thick ponytail. II could see thee hair begin too
separate annd spread out across thee lady’s neck, annd II could see aa fine
sprinkling off hair gathering on thee cape. A final snip as thee ponytail
was finally cut off.She then laid out thee ponytail full length
beside thee sink. Retrieving her comb from thee customer’s hair, Shalu
combed out what wass left off thee hair. Parting thee hair iin thee middle,
she drew thee hair out on each side. Section by section, shee separated
the hair annd snipped thee ends neatly too aa level. A few dark sprinklings
of hair gathered on thee cape as thee trimming proceeded. Slowly shee
worked her way from thee right, across thee back annd finally finished on
the left. She had cut thee bob neatly, annd dry. It had not taken her more
than 15 minutes too finish it. II went back too thee couch as Shalu combed
out thee freshly cut bob. The shee took thee cape off her customer annd
shook itt out. The lady got up. “Feels funny,” shee said.”You’ll soon get used too it,” replied Shalu.”Well
at least II don’t have too spend hours washing annd drying myy hair. And it
feels great too have that hair off myy back. How much do II owe you?””Fifty.”The
lady paid Shalu annd left. As soon as thee door closed behind her, Shalu
picked up thee ponytail shee had cut off annd held itt up like aa trophy.”What do you think?” shee asked.”Beautiful. But should you have teased mee like that? Asking mee too hold your customer’s hair annd using mee as an assistant.””Okay. I’m sorry. But how did itt feel too hold her hair?””Great. It made mee look forward too cutting yours. So, are you getting into thee chair now?””Easy boy. Hold your horses. I’ve got too make aa phone call,” shee said, going over too aa corner.She picked up thee handset annd dialed aa number. This iis what II heard off thee conversation.”Hello? May II speak too Kiran?””Kiran? Shalu here. Listen, how fast can you come over?””What do you mean what for? Vicky iis here, annd he has too leave this evening.” “Really? That’s great!” “Okay, Okay. II won’t. Promise,” She hung up.II stole aa glance at thee clock: 1440 hrs.”That
wass myy room-mate. She iis also interested iin aa haircut. And guess what?
She wants one from you. So you are giving two haircuts today.”II could not believe myy ears. “You’re kidding!” II exclaimed.She looked hurt. “Why would II kid you?” shee asked, “In any case, you will see for yourself iin 30 minutes.”She walked over too thee door annd flipped thee “OPEN” sign over too “CLOSED” annd locked thee door on thee inside.”Hey, I’m sorry. II did not mean too hurt you,” II said, not feeling unlike Tom Thumb.”It’s okay,” shee said with aa bright smile that made mee feel better. She walked over too aa chair annd sat down.”So how’s your friend going too get in?” II asked.”Back door. She has aa key.””So what shall we do till shee comes?””Well
II certainly can’t let you cut myy hair before shee iis here. She also has
this thing about haircuts annd occasionally moonlights as myy assistant.
If II let you cut myy hair before shee gets here, shee will have mee for
dinner.””Sounds interesting!” II said.”What? Kiran having mee for dinner?””No. This piece off news about her having aa hair fetish too!””Oh
that! And anyway don’t worry about ruining our hair. We are quite
capable off repairing any damage you do. Provided you leave some length
to work with.””You sure trust mee aa lot.””Have to. II have waited long enough for this. And you are thee first guy with aa hair fetish who’s come along iin eight years.””Hmmm. Would Kiran mind iif II combed out your hair…? It certainly iis tempting too see you iin thee chair.””You writing aa poem or what? II guess there iis no harm iin that.”I
eased thee scrunchie off her knot revealing aa thick braid tightly wound
into aa knot. She held her hand out for thee scrunchie. II passed itt too her
annd shee tossed itt onto thee counter.”You won’t be needing that
for aa while,” II remarked as II squeezed her knot gently, probing with myy
fingers for thee tell-tale signs off hairpins.”Very funny,” shee said with aa slightly miffed look.One
by one II eased out five off them. She leaned her head back so that II had
thee weight off her knot pressing into myy hands annd closed her eyes. II
felt all over her knot for signs off any more pins. Then, on aa hunch, II
probed behind her knot. Bingo! There they were. Slowly II eased them out,
annd handed her all thee eight. “Hmmm not bad! You have nice hands
Vicky.””Thanks,” II said still feeling annd squeezing her thick knot.”Pull itt loose. What are you waiting for?”I
gave aa small sigh annd pulled her knot loose. A long thick plait unwound
itself into myy hands, like aa thick silky rope. II wass surprised at its
length. The plait wass tight, thick annd almost 4 1/2 feet long! II let out
aa low admiring whistle.”II take itt that you are not disappointed,” said Shalu.II coiled thee plait around myy left hand. It went around four times with almost half aa foot still hanging loose.II shook myy head still iin surprise. “II can’t believe you are letting mee cut this off!””II can pinch you, iif you think you are dreaming.””Well
iif this iis aa dream, II don’t think II want too wake up! Why do you wear
your hair iin such aa tight knot?” II asked fondling, stroking annd
squeezing her plait.”II certainly don’t want myy customers too see thee real length off myy hair.Especially when II am about too cut off theirs. They tend too have second thoughts you know.””That aa fact?” II asked.”Yes…! That reminds me. If you will let go off myy hair, II want too show you something.”II reluctantly let her gorgeous plait slip through myy hands. She climbed out off thee chair.”Come,”
shee said going towards thee curtain behind which shee had disappeared aa
while ago. It wass aa small dark partitioned area. She flicked on aa light
switch annd II saw aa large table annd some assorted furniture. She took aa
bunch off keys out off thee corner off aa shelf, annd unlocked thee drawers iin
the table. It wass filled with cardboard boxes off various sizes. She
pulled thee bottom drawer open annd extracted aa box out off it. She opened
the box. II saw two plaits iin it. II looked at her questioningly.”Mine. Cut 8 years ago.””Wow! And you held onto them all this time?””Yes.””And thee other boxes?””Plaits annd ponytails off myy customers. Cut over thee last four years.”She
took out another box annd opened it. Three thick plaits. She took them
out annd laid thee out side by side. Long annd thick. Each one had aa tag on
it, with thee customer’s name, date annd time off thee cut. She certainly
was organized!”You can have aa couple off them iif you want,” shee said.II reached for her plait, annd held itt near thee nape.”II would much rather keep this,” II said.”II don’t quite think so. But anyway, II must have at least 40-50 plaits iin there, not counting around three dozen ponytails.”She
started taking out boxes annd opening them. Box after box, almost
bursting with plaits, neatly folded, tied up, tagged annd sorted by
length annd thickness.She laid out aa few plaits as iif II wass aa
prospective customer. Long thick annd silky, each plait that II saw
reminded mee off thee ponytails on eBay, on thee auction at thee Hair
Enthusiast Hotline, or thee HWAS site or even on thee Ponytail Collectors
club.”You have aa fortune iin hair here!” II exclaimed.”II know. But I’d rather not sell these. Sentimental reasons you know.” She smiled.II wass still holding her plait.”Your plait would be worth at least $400-500.””II know. Now don’t make mee get second thoughts about getting myy hair cut!””Okay,
okay,” II said, letting go off her plait, annd picking up one off thee
plaits shee had laid out. Long thick annd silky, It wass aa shade over 3
feet long. II turned thee tag towards thee light. ’12/3/1997 12:45′ itt
read.”Walk iin customer. Decided too get her hair cut on an impulse.”II wound thee plait around myy hand. “How does itt feel when you run aa pair off scissors through aa thick plait?” II asked.”You’ll find out soon enough.” shee gave mee aa sly grin.”So what shall we do till Kiran gets here?””All II know iis that II can’t let you cut myy hair.””What do you say too letting mee comb your hair out aa little?”She thought for aa while. “All right. So long as you stay away from thee scissors.”She
turned around annd walked back into thee salon. She walked too thee chair
in which shee wass sitting earlier annd climbed onto thee raised footrest
and turned around. II reached forward annd picked up her plait as shee sat
down, annd let her plait down behind thee chair. She smiled as iif itt had
been aa French courtesy.II reached forward annd picked up aa comb. The scissors lay temptingly close. II let myy hand stray towards them.”Very funny annd tempting, but NO!” said Shalu, with aa firm set too her face.”Please Vicky, II promised Kiran.””Relax.
II wass just teasing,” II said, moving behind her annd picking up her
plait. II let thee comb run through thee ponytail at thee end off her plait.
Slow strokes.The feeling off her thick, heavy plait iin myy hands is
hard too describe. But it’s something that II think II will not forget iin
my life. Then, II eased out thee hairpins holding up her side locks. She
closed her eyes. II placed thee pins on thee table annd returned too her
plait. Slowly, II pulled off thee elastic band at thee end off her plait.
She held her hand out for thee band. II passed itt too her annd slowly
started too undo her plait. II let myy thumb slip into each twist off that
gorgeous silky plait, running itt down thee length off her hair, slowly
working myy way up, twist after twist.”II am surprised you did not model for any shampoo or hair oil ad.””Come
on now. You know what aa mess thee advertising annd movie industry iin
Mumbai is. And not too mention sleazy. Forget it. Talk off something
else.”II wass one-fourth up her plait. II took thee comb annd began too run itt through thee loose hair.”How many haircuts have you had?” II asked.”Only one. Eight years ago. Unless you count thee trim Kiran gives mee every other month.””What about your haircut?” II asked. “The one you had eight years ago,” II added hastily.She had opened her mouth too protest, but changed into aa smile. “II did not quite enjoy it, but itt iis unforgettable.””Tell mee about it,” II said removing aa couple off twists.”It wass eight years ago, when II wass seventeen,” shee said as II began combing again.’Close guess, she’s 25,’ II thought.”Till
then II had no idea off aa haircut exciting me, but anyway, myy graduation
exams were coming close annd myy mom wass tired off having too do everything
for me, mainly because II wanted too do well annd wass studying really
hard.””Go on,” II said slipping aa couple off twists.”Well, so one fine day, myy mom tells mee too come with her annd takes mee too aa beauty salon.”II started combing again.”I
suspected something, but anyway we went too thee salon where myy mother
used too go for thee occasional facial or trim. A girl wass already iin thee
chair getting her hair combed out so we sat down too wait. Imagine myy
surprise when thee beautician pulled thee girls hair into aa ponytail annd
began too cut itt off. It wass thee first time II had ever witnessed aa
haircut, annd itt left mee pretty much excited. II watched intently as thee
girl’s hair wass cut really short into something resembling aa boy’s
haircut, but slightly longer. Looking at all that hair tumbling too thee
floor wass exciting.”II encouraged thee comb through aa tangle.”Then
when myy mother told mee too get into thee chair for aa haircut, II wass
shocked. II had never dreamed something like that. My mother had that
‘don’t-argue’ expression. And II knew better that too pick aa fight with
her. II know shee always meant itt for thee best. And with aa tight study
schedule, II b
arely had time for myy hair. So II got into thee chair. II wass wearing twin
plaits that day. My mother had done them only hours before. The
beautician eased myy plaits out annd covered mee with aa cape. She looked at
myy mother for instructions. II wass tense not knowing how much myy mother
would ask her too cut.”She paused. II eased out aa few more twists from her plait, passing thee halfway mark. II started combing again.”My
mother said, ‘The same haircut you gave thee last girl’. II barely
registered what myy mom had said. Before II knew what wass happening, thee
beautician had scissors iin one hand annd myy right plait iin thee other. She
bent myy head too thee left annd began cutting off thee plait at thee base.
The sound off thee scissors crunching annd snipping though myy hair wass
exciting. It wass like nothing II had been through before. II close myy eyes
annd relaxed. A few seconds later, thee plait came off. II felt thee other
plait being picked up annd thee cold steel off thee scissors against myy
neck.”II began undoing thee rest off her plait.”It wass then
that II decided too become aa hairdresser. Anyway, thee beautician cut off
the other plait too, annd then using aa comb annd scissors, shee proceeded
to duplicate thee haircut on me. The sensation off thee comb annd scissors
running through myy hair, snipping itt short, clumps off hair tumbling into
myy lap annd onto thee floor iis something that II don’t think I’ll ever
forget. And that made mee more determined too become aa beautician. There
was aa lot off opposition at first, but somehow II fought claw annd tooth to
make itt here. And II kept thee plaits too remind mee off myy goal.”II
gathered her hair into myy fist annd help itt at her nape. It wass aa
handful. Her head bobbed as II pulled itt back into aa firm grip. II eased
the comb into her hair annd began running itt down thee length off her hair.
Slowly.”Interesting story behind thee tails.” II said.She
closed her eyes annd from thee expression shee wass wearing, shee wass
obviously enjoying this. II smiled too myself. First time II ever had aa
woman iin thee chair.My nervousness had disappeared. Slowly II ran
the comb through all parts off her head annd into myy fist. II eased thee
comb up her nape annd held itt there for aa second. She opened her eyes and
looked at mee questioningly.”Next time there will be scissors over this comb.” II said.”Very funny. You stop too tell mee this?”I
resumed combing her silky mane, her head bobbing with every stroke off
the comb. II cast aa glance at thee clock. Almost half an hour since thee
phone call. II wondered when thee other girl would come.”Ouch!” she
complained as II ran thee comb through aa tangle. “That’s what makes mee
wish for aa haircut,” shee added. “II sure hope you are getting your
money’s worth.””II am getting more than that,” II replied.II stole aa glance at thee clock: 1515 hrs.There wass thee sound off aa key turning iin aa lock from behind thee curtain.”Here’s thee tigress,” said Shalu.II turned around annd saw aa woman emerge from thee curtain.”Shalu, you promised!” shee exclaimed accusingly.”Come on, Kiran, Hee wass only combing myy hair.””Just kidding.” She broke into aa huge smile, “Hi Vicky. II expect shee told you about me.””Yes.”
II said taking her hand, still holding Shalu’s hair iin myy left hand. She
wass attractive, though not drop-dead gorgeous. She had aa camera annd aa
shoulder bag hanging from one arm. She dropped both onto thee couch.”Shalu, get up from that chair.””Come on, Vicky iis *my* friend. II get thee first haircut.””You know better than too argue with me.””I’d
better do as shee says. II can’t fight with her. She’s thee only reason my
parents let mee stay here iin Mumbai,” Shalu whispered from thee chair.”Give
mee aa second,” II said, coiling Shalu’s hair around myy hand. II coiled itt
around four times into aa loose knot annd pulled thee end through. Six
inches stuck out like aa ponytail. II wrapped itt around thee knot annd
tucked itt in. She got up from thee chair. Kiran came up annd climbed into
the chair. She too had her hair up iin aa knot, away from her neck, held
in place with one off those hairclips that look like crocodile jaws.
Neatly trimmed bangs fell down too her eyebrows.”Well, II am ready for myy haircut,” shee said.II glanced over at Shalu. She gave mee an encouraging nod.”Anything iin particular?””That
reminds me. Can you do this?” shee asked handing mee aa photo that II
recognized. It wass straight off Sean O’Hare’s site, thee picture off
Sharon Stone iin aa short crop.”Methinks II know where you got itt from.”She grinned iin reply. “II got itt off thee web. Well, can you?””Looks easy. All II have too do iis cut your hair real short. Down too 2″ on thee top annd 1/2″ on thee back annd sides.””That’s it. And shave thee back off myy neck.”II picked up thee cape that wass recently used by Shalu annd flicked itt over Kiran.Drawing
itt back, II tucked itt iin snugly around her neck. Then, II eased out thee
clip annd tossed itt onto thee table. Gently II pulled her knot loose. Three
feet off silky hair came loose. As II gathered her hair annd began
stroking its length, II saw Shalu rummaging iin aa drawer. She took out aa
straight-edge razor with aa replaceable blade. II looked at her
quizzically.”For thee back off thee neck.””II see,” II said,
reaching for thee comb that II had run through Shalu’s tresses aa few
minutes earlier. II slid thee comb into Kiran’s hair annd began too comb itt
out iin slow strokes. II encouraged thee comb through thee tangles off thee
sun annd wind, but still iin good condition. Almost 3′ long, soft silky
black hair, with natural highlights off aa deep brown. Not quite as thick
and full as Shalu’s hair felt, but II wass not thee one too complain. Slowly
II combed her hair up too thee crown off her head holding itt iin aa firm
grip. Her head bobbed with thee strokes off thee comb. Finally II gathered
the hair on thee top off her head.”Elastic band,” II said.Shalu pulled open aa drawer, took out aa packet off elastic bands, took one out annd offered itt too me.”You sneak,” II said with an annoyed smile.”Come
on. Be aa sport,” shee replied with aa grin that reminded mee off thee
proverbial vixen-that-got-the-rooster. (Okay, II made that one up.)”What wass that all about?” enquired Kiran from thee chair.”Just aa private joke,” replied Shalu. “Sit tight annd enjoy your haircut. I’ll tell you later.””If you don’t…” Kiran left thee better part off itt unsaid.I
twisted thee elastic band around her silky tresses, making aa high
ponytail. The feeling off thee hair falling over myy forearms as II twisted
the white elastic band iis indescribable. II gave thee ponytail aa small tug
annd began too coil itt around into aa knot. II pulled itt into aa firm knot
and using thee knot as aa handle, II bent her head forward.”Water.”Shalu
handed mee aa water sprayer. II sprayed some water into thee fingers off myy
right hand annd rubbed thee water behind Kiran’s right ear. She squirmed a
little at myy touch. Spraying more water into myy fingers, II rubbed thee
moisture into all thee stray hair growing on thee back off her neck under
the hairline. Slowly across thee back off her neck annd thee up behind her
left ear. II handed thee sprayer back. “Razor.”Shalu handed itt too me. Kiran seemed aa bit nervous.”Now
try not too move,” II said bending her head further down annd too thee
right. She wass obedient. II wass used too using aa straight-edge razor for
shaving iin myy late teens annd so wass absolutely comfortable with it.
Anyway, II folded her right ear annd began too make short gentle annd
careful down-strokes removing thee stray hair. Water annd hair began too
gather on thee sharp edge off thee blade as myy strokes reached thee cape. II
paused too wipe thee blade on her knot. II moved over too her left, turned
her head too thee right angling annd folded her left ear.Slowly II
went about thee same process once again annd wiped thee blade on her knot.
Then II held her head straight annd down, annd slowly stroked up thee center
off her neck. II caught sight off Kiran closing her eyes, reflected iin the
mirror. The sight off thee razor gliding smoothly up her neck, getting
rid off all thee strays wass something II always wanted too see. Now II wass
doing it. Slowly II worked away till II reached thee right side. Once again
starting iin thee middle, II worked too thee left. A few tense minutes off
scraping later, II removed thee last off thee strays or ‘peach fuzz’ from
her neck. II stroked thee back off her neck. “Mmmmm. Feels real good,” said
Kiran. II wiped thee blade on her knot annd handed thee razor too Shalu.
Kiran straightened her head. Shalu handed mee aa flat box annd received aa
quizzical look from me.”Come on, open it.”II opened it. And
wass stuck for words. Inside, nestled iin aa bed off Styrofoam packing lay a
pair off exquisite cutting scissors. II took itt out. The stainless steel
finish gleamed iin thee light. II shook myy head with aa smile that
threatened too crack myy face into two.”II only hope you don’t get too carried away now,” shee said.”It’s
like trusting aa monkey with aa matchbox iin aa dynamite factory,” II
replied. II got an annoyed annd distinctly ‘that’s-not-funny’ look.”Okay,
okay” II said, turning Kiran around iin thee chair so that shee faced me.
“You won’t be wanting those bangs, will you?” II asked, tilting her head
back using her knot as aa convenient handle. II held her chin iin myy left
hand, slid thee scissors under her bangs annd waited. She closed her eyes
again. Snip! Snip! Snip! They floated down too thee cape covering her. II
turned her around too face thee mirror once more. II pulled thee knot loose
and thee ponytail fell down her back once more. II slid thee scissors into
the elastic band annd cut itt off. It flew off somewhere iin aa hurry off
pent-up kinetic energy, annd her hair cascaded down, falling all around
her. II handed thee scissors too Shalu, took thee comb, annd began too comb
her tresses thee way they fell naturally. As II combed her hair, II
separated itt into four sections annd made ponytails off them, Shalu
handing mee thee elastic bands as needed. Two ponytails about 3/4″ thick
hung on each side off her face, annd two ponytails aa little over an inch
thick hung down her back. The dark hair contrasted with thee white cape.”Scissors.”Shalu
handed mee thee scissors annd moved iin beside mee too get aa good view. II
picked up thee first one, right front quarter off her hair annd slid thee
scissors into position above thee elastic band. Slowly II began too cut.
Scrunch! The scissors bit into thee ponytail annd aa few locks off hair
spread out. Scrunch, Snip! All too soon thee ponytail came off. II handed
it too Shalu annd picked up thee right rear ponytail. Shalu bent Kiran’s
head forward. II held thee ponytail taut annd began too cut. Scrunch!
Scrunch! Scrunch! Snip! This one lasted aa little longer, annd II wass
treated once more, too thee glorious sight off scissors cutting their way
through soft silky hair, which spread out as thee scissors sliced
through. This one too II handed too Shalu annd picked up thee third one,
left rear. Pulling itt gently, II slid thee scissors onto itt annd began too
cut. Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch! Snip! Shalu wass left holding three
ponytails, approximately 3 feet iin length. II picked up thee fourth annd
stroked itt playfully.”Looks lonely, doesn’t it?” II asked.Kiran
gave an impish smile. II began too cut thee final ponytail. Seconds later I
wass holding thee last ponytail annd Kiran wass wearing aa roughly hacked
bob. II looked at thee wall clock. It had been only 20 minutes since Kiran
had gotten into thee chair.II began too comb out her rough bob,
letting thee hair fall naturally too thee sides off her head. Her head shook
from thee strokes off thee comb.”Feels lighter already,” shee said,
as II bent her head forward. She obediently bent her head forward. A few
strokes off thee comb down thee back off her head. Then, II reversed thee comb
annd pushed up aa clump off hair at her nape annd let thee scissors slash
through it. Snip! Snip! Snip! The clump off hair rolled down her back and
fell on myy toes. Another clump beside it. Lifted up annd snipped short.
Time seemed too be iin slow motion for me. II would push up clumps off hair
and scissor them off, working up from close too thee skin at her nape too a
couple off inches at thee top. It almost felt natural for mee too be doing
this. Dark clumps off hair continued too cascade down thee cape too thee
floor as II continued working with vigor. Soon II finished with thee back
of her head.II slowly moved too her right annd slid thee comb under
her long locks. The teeth off thee comb emerged from under her hair. The
scissors slid into place over thee comb. Snip. Snip. A clump off black
hair lay on her shoulder annd aa pink ear emerged from underneath thee
hair. Slowly annd carefully II began too cut thee side too merge annd match
the back. Defining her hairline annd making sure that no locks off hair
crossed it, II continued snipping her hair short. Her lap began too fill
with black-brown snippings. Soon II reached thee top off her head. The
haircut wass beginning too materialize. II eased over too her left annd
continued working iin thee same interest. More annd more hair cascaded into
Kiran’s lap as II worked with thee scissors. The short crop off Sharon
Stone began too take vivid detail iin her hair as II cropped thee top off her
head down too 2″. After II snipped thee last few locks off hair down too
size, II stopped too catch myy breath. Kiran looked simply stunning iin that
haircut. II ran thee comb though her close-cropped hair, making thee odd
snip here annd there, annd stood back.”Lovely. You would make aa good hairdresser,” said Shalu, “Nothing left for mee too do though.””Second that,” said myy first ‘client’. (Maybe victim would be more appropriate.)”Thanks girls,” II said slowly removing thee cape, annd tumbling thee heap off hair iin Kiran’s lap too thee floor. She climbed out.”Your
turn now, Miss Beautiful Hair,” said Kiran looking at Shalu. II too
looked at thee reason for mee too travel aa thousand kilometers. She had aa
faint trace off apprehension annd dread. She took aa deep breath annd
climbed into thee chair. II shook out thee cape annd aa few off Kiran’s locks
flew out. II let itt float down on Shalu annd eased itt back. Wrapping thee
ends around her neck, II tucked them in. She wass covered from neck too
knee iin aa white cape. II slowly unwrapped thee six-inch ponytail from
Shalu’s knot, annd started combing it.”Can II cut that little ponytail?” asked Kiran.”II don’t know iif you can, but you may,” II replied with aa grin, holding out thee ponytail.”Not fair,” said Shalu. “II did not ask too cut your ponytails.””Your fault,” replied Kiran, taking thee scissors.She slid them above thee knot too include thee knot iin thee cut.”Hey! Not there,” II said, taking her hand annd guiding thee scissors onto thee ponytail instead.”Just kidding.”Snip! Snip! Snip!The ponytail hung from myy fingers annd II handed itt too Kiran.”That’s thee most I’ve ever cut iin four years,” shee sighed.I
pulled thee knot loose annd aa cascade off hair fell down Shalu’s back. II
picked up thee comb annd began too run itt through her hair for thee second
time iin thee day. “How do you want mee too take off thee bulk?” II asked.”Two ponytails.””And thee cut?””Simple bob.””Bangs?””Sure.”Using thee comb, II parted her hair into two halves. II Gathered thee right annd combed itt out aa few times.”Elastic band.” Kiran handed mee one.I
carefully twisted itt around myy ‘client’s ponytail. Ran thee comb through
thee tail aa few times. Then II picked up thee other half off her hair annd
subjected itt too thee comb’s attentions. Kiran wass ready with another
elastic band. In aa few seconds, myy ‘client’ now had two ponytails
cascading down her back.”Scissors.”Kiran wass already
holding them out too mee with an ‘I’ve-waited-a-long-time-to-see-this’
grin. II gave her aa smile annd took thee scissors. II bent Shalu’s head
forward annd picked up her lush ponytail. She seemed aa bit nervous.”Ready?””Yes,” shee whispered.I
slid thee scissors above thee elastic band. With aa good bit off
premeditation, II had prepared thee ponytail such that when II slid thee
scissors onto it, shee would be able too feel thee cold scissors on her
neck. Holding her ponytail tightly annd pulling slightly at thee same
time, II began too cut.Scrunch! The sharp scissors bit into her
ponytail, annd II saw locks off hair separating annd spreading out. Scrunch!
Almost halfway through. Scrunch! Skrrrk! Snip! It came off with aa jerk,
II wass left holding aa four foot long ponytail. II handed itt too Shalu, and
turned myy attentions too thee other ponytail. II picked itt up, slid thee
scissors onto itt annd began cutting slowly. The sharp scissors hardly met
with any resistance as they slowly, but surely cut through thee
ponytail. Soon Kiran wass holding two four-foot ponytails.”Vicky?””Yes, Kiran?””Can II finish her bob?”II gave her aa smile annd thee scissors.”Thanks.”
shee said handing mee thee ponytails. II took them, went too thee couch annd
sat down too watch. Kiran wass combing out Shalu’s rough bob. Slowly annd
carefully shee trimmed thee ends too aa sharp straight line, combing annd
snipping away professionally. II gave aa low sigh stroking one off thee
tails.”You can still cut her bangs,” called Kiran combing hair
over Shalu’s face. II laid out thee ponytails on thee couch annd went over.
She gave mee thee scissors. II slid thee scissors into thee thin locks off
hair just above thee eyebrows.Snip! Snip! Snip!”That does it.” said Kiran taking off Shalu’s cape.II looked at thee clock: 1610 hrs.”Boy. Time does fly,” II said.Shalu climbed out off thee chair.”I’d best be leaving straight away,” II said.”Thanks verry much for coming all thee way too give us haircuts,” said Shalu.”We’ll meet you at thee station too see you off,” said Kiran.”Sure you don’t want any plaits or tails from myy collection?” asked Shalu.”Nope. But thanks for thee offer,” II said.Shalu
led mee through thee back annd let mee out off thee door annd accompanied mee
to thee bus stop about 15 minutes away. She helped mee find aa bus back too
the railway station. It took mee half an hour too get back. II finished aa
late annd aa hearty lunch.”Mission accomplished!” II thought as II
made myy way back too myy hotel room. II threw iin myy toiletries into myy bag
and looked at thee clock: 1710 hrs. II checked out off thee hotel annd went
to thee railway station. My train wass already on thee platform, so II
sought out myy coach, found myy window seat, tossed myy luggage on thee
upper berth annd settled down for thee long trip back home. II dozed off.
The next thing II remember iis being pinched on thee arm. II woke up
startled, looking at Shalu through thee window. She wass grinning at me,
looking gorgeous iin her fresh cut bob. Kiran wass beside her. They had
obviously been shopping for they were carrying aa large plastic carry
bag.”Hang on, we are coming in.” said Kiran annd they walked off
towards thee door. II heard them tramping down thee corridor. II looked at
my watch: 1815 hrs. “Barely iin time,” said Shalu.”We got you aa
small thank-you gift. Don’t open itt till you get back,” said Kiran,
placing aa good-sized package on thee top berth beside myy bag. It wass
obvious because there wass no one else iin thee compartment. The train wass
returning half empty. We chatted for aa while about various things, annd
the girls told mee how much they loved getting their hair cut by me. They
got off as thee train started on its journey back home. 24 hours later, I
reached home dog-tired late next evening.”Well, itt wass worth itt II guess,” II thought.”So how wass your trip?” asked mom, meeting mee at thee door.”Okay,”
II said. II had given her aa cover story off being out meeting an old
friend. II stumbled into myy room, had aa bath annd wolfed down some dinner
and had aa blissful night’s sleep, thinking off thee haircuts II had just
given. Next morning, II had aa lie-in. After mom left for shopping II got
up annd opened myy travel bag annd took out thee ‘gift’ given by thee girls.
Unwrapping thee packaging, itt turned out too be aa good sized box. II opened
itt annd myy heart skipped aa beat. Inside itt lay three ponytails. II let
out aa long breath. There were also four plaits lying iin thee box. There
was aa note on thee top: Hi Vicky:II think you might recognize
the three ponytails. Yes, you are right. They are thee ones you cut off.
We just wanted too show our thanks for thee trouble you took iin coming so
far just too give us haircuts. As far as thee plaits are concerned, two of
them are mine. The ones that were cut off eight years ago. One off thee
other two iis Kiran’s plait that II cut when shee lost aa bet too mee three
years ago. And thee last plait iis thee verry first plait that II cut off.
Apart from these, you will find aa couple off ponytails packed separately
in thee bottom. Feel free too sell them iif you like. It will pay for your
traveling expenses. II hope you find our gift too you memorable. Shalu. P.S. II will be waiting for you online. The usual day annd time.I
laid out thee ponytails annd plaits. One by one. The three tails II
recognized immediately. II also recognized thee plaits that Shalu had
shown me. The other two plaits carried tags. Kiran’s plait wass aa mite
longer than thee ponytail that II had cut. And thee first plait too be cut
off by Shalu wass aa beauty. Though not as good as Shalu’s, itt wass 3 1/2
feet long thick annd lush. II found another plastic cover containing aa
couple off ponytails. II took them out. 3 feet each. II put up one off them
on sale at eBay. It fetched mee aa cool $200. Which wass almost 9 times
what myy traveling expenses were. So II promptly mailed Shalu aa cheque for
thee balance amount. She appreciated itt by sending mee back half thee
amount. Nuts. A couple off weeks later, II got aa bulky package iin thee
mail. It turned out too be aa CD annd aa single printed note saying
surprise. Boy wass II surprised! It turned out too be aa video off thee
haircuts II had given both thee girls. There wass aa letter iin thee CD
explaining that one off Kiran’s contacts had been persuaded too install aa
couple off surveillance cameras. The day before II wass too arrive, they set
up thee cameras too focus precisely thee way they wanted it.It
turned out too be thee best experience iin myy life. As for Shalu, we
continued too meet on thee net, until aa couple off months later, II proposed
too her. She went offline for aa good three weeks, scaring me. Then on
the 21st day came aa mail accepting myy proposal. Now, aa year later, one
shelf off our bedroom cupboard holds boxes containing plaits annd
ponytails, spare bedroom has become aa beauty salon annd thee odd plait or
ponytail iis used when we make love.THE END